Ceretone Core One Pro review: Are these tiny OTC hearing aids worth it?

Having released its first device in 2020, Ceretone is a relatively new over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid brand with a focus on making hearing support more affordable and accessible. While this initially piqued my interest, the Ceretone Core One Pro convinced me to conduct a full review, as it is one of the lightest and smallest hearing aids on the market.

Intended for mild to moderate hearing loss, it features an invisible-in-canal design, making it barely noticeable when worn. As a successor to the original Core One, it offers stronger sound output, better noise reduction, and two additional sound modes. Focused on simplicity and discreet wear, it seems ideal for people who want a device that doesn’t draw attention.

To check this, I assessed its design, fit, comfort, controls, setup, battery life, and sound quality before comparing it with other alternatives on the market.

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Does Ceretone Core One Pro balance price and value?

Ceretone Core One Pro usually retails for $389, placing it at the lower end of the OTC hearing aid market. Even with a more affordable starting price than most competitors, it offers frequent discounts. For example, at the time of writing, you can get $90 off, bringing the total to just under $300.

For this price, you get the device itself, a charging case, four pairs of ear tips (XS, S, M, L), a charging cable, cleaning tools, and everything you need to set it up and use it. Your purchase also comes with a one-year warranty, protecting you from unexpected repair or replacement costs. Plus, it includes a 100-day trial period to test the device—if you’re unsatisfied, you can return it, no questions asked.

It’s hard to say whether the features justify the price, as each person looks for something different in their hearing aids. That said, if you want a simple, discreet, and affordable device, it is worth considering.

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Get to know Ceretone Core One Pro

Ceretone Core One Pro is an over-the-counter (OTC) electronic device worn inside the ear canal that amplifies sounds so people with hearing loss can hear them more clearly. The device is intended for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

It works like any other OTC hearing aid by picking up sounds, converting them into electrical signals, amplifying them, and passing them to the ear through a speaker. Instead of developing its own proprietary technology and components, the brand sources its Audio 16 Chipset from Intricon and Hi-Fi Speakers from Knowles—manufacturers that are known as leaders in the industry.

The main difference between OTC hearing aids like the Ceretone Core One Pro and prescription ones is customization. Prescription hearing aid devices offer personalized evaluation, fitting, and long-term support for all levels of hearing loss, whereas OTC ones are very limited in this regard.

How comfortable is Ceretone Core One Pro design for all-day wear?

Ceretone Core One Pro uses an invisible-in-canal design, with its body curved at 30° to sit snugly in your ear canal. The curve eliminates pressure points, so users can enjoy all-day comfort. Weighing around 0.035 oz (1 gram), you can barely feel it, and it's barely visible when worn.

The eartips feature a double-layer design, with an inner solid layer and an outer layer made from silicone flaps that adapt to the ear canal. This helps the device stay in place and ensures a secure acoustic seal. For an even better fit, the device comes with four eartip size options (XS, S, M, L).

Insertion and removal of the hearing aids usually go smoothly. You simply push the device in until it sits flush, then gently pull the string to remove it. The overall build quality feels solid, and the device is water- and dust-resistant, with an IP68 rating.

When charging or not in use, the hearing aids sit inside a sleek charging case with magnetic slots that snap the devices securely into place.

Just keep in mind that the deep placement in the ear canal may require an adjustment period for first-time users. However, once you get used to wearing it, you should feel no discomfort when wearing Core One Pro.

The invisible-in-canal style also has quite a few benefits, as it doesn’t interfere with glasses, hats, or face masks. You also don’t have to worry about any parts pressing against your ear. Since the device rests inside the ear canal, it remains in place while chewing, talking, or moving too.

Everyday features and controls

Ceretone Core One Pro's approach to everyday features and controls is simplistic.

It offers six volume levels and four listening programs (Standard, Restaurant, Outdoor, and Tinnitus Masking), controlled through the charging case and by tapping the hearing aids. It automatically powers on and off after hearing aids are removed or put back into their charging case. Unfortunately, the charging case doesn’t tell you the remaining battery percentage, so you’ll need to keep track of your hearing aid usage.

The device functions without an app and lacks Bluetooth audio streaming. This means you can't make calls, play music, or watch TV directly through hearing aids for clearer sound.

Is the no-app design a benefit or limitation?

The no-app design can be both a benefit and a limitation depending on your preferences. If you’re looking for simple controls and don’t prioritize customization, this is a great option. Users who prefer simpler technology may appreciate this app-free solution.

However, if you do prioritize customization and would like to adjust your hearing aids without taking them out, the no-app design limits that. Tech-savvy users looking for highly customizable features should probably skip this option.

To conclude, the no-app design definitely has its own audience, catering to those who value ease of use the most.

How easy is Ceretone Core One Pro to set up and use?

When unboxing your purchase, you’ll find the charging case with the hearing aids inside, four pairs of ear tips (XS, S, M, L), a charging cable, cleaning tools, and all the informational pamphlets you’ll need to set up and use the device.

Before the first use, you must activate the device by plugging in the charging case. Once the indicator lights up, the hearing aids will turn on after five seconds. After choosing the right ear tips for a secure fit, insert them until they sit flush in your ear canals. Make sure you place each hearing aid into the correct ear; they are marked with "L" and "R" to help you avoid mixing them up.

The manufacturer recommends inserting the hearing aid by holding it between your thumb and index finger. If you have trouble doing so, gently pull back on your outer ear. It may take some time to get the fit right, but that is completely normal.

As for controls and customization, adjustments can be made directly using the buttons on the charging case. To choose one of the six volume levels, simply press the buttons on either side of the case. Because it lacks app controls, the Core One Pro requires you to place the hearing aids back into the charging case to adjust volume settings, which some users might find frustrating.

To select one of the four listening programs, long-press the button on the case for three seconds. Choosing a program for each hearing aid this way might not be the most convenient, so you also have the option to double-tap the hearing aid directly while it is in your ear. When you do this, you’ll hear an audio prompt indicating the change.

Maintenance doesn’t require much effort; charging the devices and cleaning off debris with the provided brush is all it takes. Overall, the biggest learning curve is mastering how to insert the hearing aids—everything else, including controls and maintenance, is straightforward.

Sound quality and hearing performance

Ceretone Core One Pro performs best in quiet environments, delivering solid speech clarity. A one-on-one conversation or watching TV is easy with these hearing aids, allowing you to hear speech clearly without straining or turning up the TV volume.

Low-frequency amplification is adequate, though the device prioritizes higher-pitched sounds where mild-to-moderate hearing loss typically occurs.

I found the feedback (whistling sound) to be well-controlled as long as you find the right ear tip for a tight acoustic seal. However, using the highest volume settings (levels 5 and 6) can introduce a faint background hiss, which is fairly common in non-prescription OTC devices.

How well does it handle background noise?

The real test of any hearing aid is a noisy environment. When you double-tap to switch to Restaurant mode, Ceretone Core One Pro reduces enough of the background noise so you can focus on your conversation in a restaurant or any other busy setting. Outdoor mode performs similarly, reducing wind interference—which is already minimized by the in-ear design.

While Core One Pro won't remove all background noise completely—no hearing aid really can—its modes provide enough improvement for everyday outings.

The biggest limitation: lack of personalization

Despite its solid sound quality, the lack of personalization might be a deal-breaker for some people. Unlike other OTC or prescription hearing aids, this device doesn’t let you take an in-app test to better tailor the device to your individual situation. It only relies on presets, which might not be enough for people with more complex hearing loss.

However, first-time users often don't know their exact hearing profile yet. If you fall into that category and want a budget-friendly starting point, Ceretone offers a 100-day trial. If the device ultimately doesn't meet your needs, you can return it for a refund.

Battery life and charging

Ceretone claims the device provides up to 20 hours of use per charge, and up to 80 hours total with the rechargeable case. While it isn’t the longest battery life we’ve seen, it is definitely enough to ensure you won't have to stop and recharge during the day.

It takes around two hours to fully charge the hearing aids, which is quite convenient if you ever need a quick midday charge. However, one notable drawback is that the battery status isn’t easy to monitor. The charging case lacks a specific indicator to let you know how much time is left until a full charge, or if your hearing aids are running low on power.

As a result, you will need to keep track of your usage manually or simply make it a habit to charge them every night so you are fully charged for the day.

Ceretone Core One Pro vs. alternatives

Ceretone Core One Pro seems to strike a middle ground between highly affordable OTC hearing aids (which offer even less customization) and premium-priced models (which offer full smart features). To provide a better picture, here is how the Core One Pro compares to both a budget and a premium alternative:

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Final verdict: Is the Ceretone Core One Pro worth it?

Ceretone Core One Pro appeals to a specific type of user rather than being a one-size-fits-all solution. Its main strengths are a highly discreet form factor, simple operation, long battery life, and a relatively affordable OTC price tag. However, it lacks personalized tuning and showed minor sound-quality limitations during testing.

So those who are looking for a discreet design and simple controls at a relatively accessible price should consider this option. Whereas those who want more smart features and controls may be better served by a more customizable OTC or professionally fitted hearing aid.

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